Location: Seaside, CA•In-State Tuition: $7,437•Out-of-State Tuition: $19,317•Admission Rate: 95%
2026 ROI Award Winner
#7 Family & Consumer Sciences
Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,089
55th percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$12,408
50% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.36 ManageableSample: 45 graduates

Analysis

CSU-Monterey Bay's Human Development program stands out for one compelling reason: its graduates carry just $12,408 in debt, placing it in the 95th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with more debt. While the $34,089 first-year salary won't impress anyone, it actually exceeds both the California median ($31,950) and national median ($33,543) for this field. Among California's 30 programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross earnings—an enviable position for any recent graduate. This matters especially given that 43% of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from families where minimizing debt is critical. Compare this to the typical program nationally that saddles students with $25,000 in debt, and you see why this represents genuine value.

The reality check: Human Development simply isn't a high-earning field anywhere. Even California's top-earning program (CSU-East Bay at $41,195) won't make anyone wealthy. But if your child is committed to this path—perhaps toward social services, education, or family counseling—CSU-Monterey Bay delivers solid preparation without the debt trap that makes these careers financially untenable. The low debt matters more here than the modest salary.

Where California State University-Monterey Bay Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all human development, family studies, bachelors's programs nationally

California State University-Monterey BayOther human development, family studies, programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How California State University-Monterey Bay graduates compare to all programs nationally

California State University-Monterey Bay earns $34k — 55th percentile among human development, family studies, bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Human Development, Family Studies, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (30 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California State University-Monterey BaySeaside$7,437$34,089—$12,4080.36
California State University-East BayHayward$7,055$41,195$53,103$18,0000.44
Pacific Oaks CollegePasadena$33,360$39,077$44,499$27,7150.71
Ashford UniversitySan Diego$13,160$36,944$32,701$36,0000.97
Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park$8,190$33,906$49,815$18,2500.54
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla$15,265$33,489$49,899$19,3420.58
National Median—$33,543—$25,0000.75

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with human development, family studies, graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

$45,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

$37,120/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Childcare Workers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Nannies

Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation.

$32,050/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California State University-Monterey Bay, approximately 43% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 45 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.